Sensex, Nifty Edge Up; Banks Resilient, IT Soft, US Deal in Focus | 18 November 2025, 9:08 AM IST
Markets on November 18 opened positive as Sensex and Nifty gained, led by banking, steel, and midcap strength. IT remained weak, while India VIX stayed calm. Traders watch out for positive headlines from the US-India trade deal and critical earnings, with sector rotation
Indian indices opened higher with Sensex gaining 99.28 points at 85,050.23 and Nifty 50 up 8.35 points at 26,021.80. Banks and midcaps extended their upward trend while Nifty IT slipped, mirroring weak global tech sentiment. Volatility (India VIX) remained contained at 11.78. Positive cues came from optimism around the nearing closure of a major India-US trade deal, while key US macro data and sector earnings continue to set the tone for traders.
Snapshot – 9:08 AM IST, 18 November 2025
| Index | Price | Change | % Chg |
|---|---|---|---|
| SENSEX | 85,050.23 | 99.28 | 0.12 |
| NIFTY 50 | 26,021.80 | 8.35 | 0.03 |
| NIFTY BANK | 58,990.50 | 27.80 | 0.05 |
| NIFTY IT | 36,294.70 | -80.50 | -0.22 |
| India VIX | 11.78 | -0.01 | -0.08 |
| NIFTY Midcap 100 | 61,217.95 | 37.45 | 0.06 |
| NIFTY Smallcap 100 | 18,381.50 | 33.90 | 0.18 |
Latest News & Trends
- Banks, midcaps continue rally on earnings momentum, FIIs add to flows; Bank Nifty eyes higher resistance.
- IT stocks see mild correction as global tech lags, traders cautious ahead of Nvidia results.
- Market sentiment buoyed by hopes of imminent US-India trade deal addressing tariffs, and political stability post Bihar elections.
- Domestic IPO pipeline strong (Physicswallah ), steel, and auto names in spotlight as sector rotation persists.
- Volatility subdued with India VIX muted; near-term focus on FOMC minutes, key US data, and continued Q2 results.
Predictions & Watch Outs
- Nifty support at 25,850, resistance near 26,100; expect sideways to positive bias as deal and data cues unfold.
- Preference for banks, autos, select steel, and midcaps; risk-averse approach on IT until global cues stabilize.
- Trade strategy: Ride strength in financials and midcaps, maintain stops as sector rotation and headline risk persist.
